Elementary art teacher and students awarded resolution from state representative for achievement

"Art has a big footprint in our world  ––  I want them to see that what they're doing can make a difference" - Ms. Bryant (middle) 

On Friday morning March 5, YES Prep Southeast first grade students secretly filled one-fourth of the auditorium to surprise Ms. Colleen Bryant with a resolution awarded to her by Texas State Representative Christina Morales (TX-27).  

Ms. Bryant was ecstatic to learn that her devotion to art was recognized statewide. Among those recognized were Isaac Peña, a second-grade student who won the Best in Show award for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Valeria Ramon Ballona, a kindergartener who was awarded the Gold Medal for the elementary category.  

“We worked really hard and every single student submitted a work of art to the contest this year,” said Ms. Bryant. “Many of the students had not participated in the contest before and this was their first year.” 

The Houston Rodeo Art Competition is a famed event by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo featuring art from students all over Houston.  The artwork is divided into three categories: elementary, junior high and high school. Best of Show, Gold Medal and Special Merit awards are selected in each category. 

Ms. Bryant was nominated by Danielle Brooks, a first-grade teacher and grade-level chair. As the Teacher Captain for YES Prep, Ms. Brooks works with legislators and Texas Public Charters Schools Association. In conjunction with Managing Director of Advocacy Sarah Landsman, they both decided to write to state legislators. Immediately Rep. Morales wanted to recognize the dedication that Ms. Bryant had for her students and art.  

"It all came to a fruition and I was so blessed and happy to be able to surprise Ms. Bryant" - Ms. Brooks (far left) 

Isaac Peña had a bold reaction to receiving the Best in Show award, saying "I deserve it". Peña drew a cowboy riding a horse and says Ms. Brooks helped him look for ideas. "That was the best day of my life", said Peña after receiving the award from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

Ballona decided to draw a sheep because she thought it simply looked great, she was incredibly surprised and ecstatic to learn that she was the recipient of the Gold Medal award for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Ballona's family was very thrilled to learn that she was the winner of the award.  

Thank you, Ms. Bryant, for being an incredible art teacher for our students at YES Prep Southeast Elementary!